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New Zealand opener Bates scores unbeaten 93, Eagles bowled out for 177

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay23-Apr-2025A four-wicket haul for fledgling seamer Phoebe Turner was followed by a brilliant a unbeaten 93 for New Zealander Suzie Bates as dominant Durham brushed aside Essex by nine wickets at the Banks Homes Riverside in their Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition opener.Turner, 21, was the standout bowler with 4 for 33 from eight overs as Essex, inserted, were bowled out for 177 inside 48 overs. Fellow seamer Grace Thompson also impressed with two wickets on her professional debut, while experienced leg-spinner Katie Levick struck three times.Essex recovered from 65 for 5 in the 20th over, with Jodie Grewcock contributing 31 and Sophia Smale 40. They shared a sixth-wicket 53, but it wasn’t enough in front of a 600-strong crowd at the start of the professional era of women’s cricket in the North East.Related

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Opener Bates is Durham’s first ever professional women’s overseas signing, and she led a composed chase with 14 fours in 103 balls. She shared a superb unbroken 173 with second-wicket partner and captain Hollie Armitage, who scored 64 off 87 balls. A five-point victory was sealed in the 33rd over.Turner was the leading wicket-taker in last season’s 50-over regional competition, striking 23 times for Northern Diamonds. She and Thompson – a tall 17-year-old rookie – set the tone as the Eagles slipped into early trouble.Thompson struck with the new ball when she trapped Jo Gardner lbw before Turner angled one across visiting captain Grace Scrivens and had the left-hander caught behind for 19, making it 46 for 2 in the 12th over.Turner then had Cordelia Griffith caught behind by England squad wicketkeeper Bess Heath, who claimed two catches and two stumpings. The same bowler had Lissy Macleod caught and bowled off a skied top-edge.In between, Abi Glen took a superb catch diving to her left at first slip to help Thompson remove Flo Miller as Essex slipped to five down.The half-century stand between Grewcock and Smale, under the Riverside floodlights, was accumulative.Levick removed both Grewcock and Smale stumped, leaving the Eagles 145 for 7 in the 42nd over.Levick then ousted Amara Carr for 21 and, courtesy of a catch at short third, helped Turner get Eva Gray as the tail was mopped up with 2.3 overs remaining.Levick and Thompson finished with 3 for 28 and 2 for 34 from their respective 10-over spells.Run-scoring on this pitch wasn’t completely trouble-free, and Kate Coppack’s seam trapped Emma Marlow lbw in the second over of Durham’s chase.But in 37-year-old Bates, a veteran of 348 all-format international appearances, and Armitage, Durham had the perfect combination to steer their ship.They calmed any early nerves early in their near 31-over alliance before becoming more expansive to extinguish Essex’s hopes.Durham reached 100 for 1 after 22 overs, by which stage a home victory was almost certain.Bates was strong on both sides of the wicket and reached her fifty off 68 balls moments later. Armitage then followed her to the same milestone off 75 to cap off the bonus-point success.

In the other match, Diana Baig set up Pakistan’s win against Ireland

Firdose Moonda09-Apr-2025Scotland pulled off the first upset of the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers by denying Hayley Matthews, who single-handedly kept West Indies in the game despite leaving the field twice with severe cramps, and beating the side by 11 runs.Matthews became only the fourth player to take four wickets and score a century in an ODI but West Indies’ over-reliance on her cost them. She took four of the first five Scotland wickets and forced herself to return to the crease twice – once off a stretcher to keep batting when West Indies were nine wickets down – but it was not enough. Scotland were the side that rallied around Sarah Bryce’s 55 (off 56 balls) and her 82-run fifth wicket stand with Megan McColl and then their spinners. Offpinners Katherine Fraser and Darcy Carter and legspinner Abtaha Maqsood took six wickets between them to defend 244 and get their first points on the board.Temperatures were close to 40 degrees Celcius with humidity at around 60% and conditions took their toll across both games in Lahore. West Indies used cooling collars made of ice packs during drinks breaks, Scotland took shelter under umbrellas and Ireland’s Gaby Lewis received treatment on field three times for cramps during her 96 minutes of batting against hosts Pakistan.Related

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West Indies chose to bowl first on a green top at the LCCA Ground but Scotland were up to the task. Abbi Aitken-Drummond and Carter put on 48 inside 12 overs, in an innings laced with three boundaries each. Matthews brought herself on in the 12th over and had Aitken-Drummond and Kathryn Bryce caught behind in successive overs and Carter dismissed in her third and suddenly, Scotland were 69 for 3. When Chinelle Henry’s direct hit ran out Ailsa Lister West Indies finally looked like they had another player on the field and could run through Scotland.Sarah Bryce held the innings together but when she edged to slip, Scotland went into freefall. They lost 6 for 62 and were bowled out in 45 overs, as both Aaliyah Alleynne and Karishma Ramharack took two wickets each.The chase started poorly when Qiana Joseph gifted a caught-and-bowled to Carter. Zaida James was in at No.3 in the second over. She batted slowly but carefully and shared a 113-run stand with Matthews, which put West Indies well on track. They were 120 for 2 in the 27th over when James tried to hit Chloe Abel over fine leg but found the fielder at 45 and then chaos ensued.West Indies lost Shemaine Campbell, Stafanie Taylor and Henry in the space of 23 deliveries and of those, Taylor’s run-out was key but the required run-rate still manageable. West Indies needed 53 runs off 72 balls and Matthews was still batting, but only just.When Shabika Gajnabi was caught behind, Mathews was on 95 and hobbling. Cherry-Ann Fraser was out in the next over and it was clear Matthews was forcing herself to keep going but couldn’t. She left the field. Afy Fletcher lasted six balls and was dismissed for duck so Matthews came back on and hit four off the next ball she faced. She was on 99 and running out of partners. She fell to the ground wailing and then was stretchered off the field.Ramharack gave Fraser another caught and bowled to leave West Indies nine down when Matthews rolled herself off the stretcher and returned to bat. She brought a century and kept West Indies in the hunt but Alleynne couldn’t stay with her. She was out lbw in the 47th over, with West Indies 11 runs short. They have a day’s break before playing Ireland on Friday.File photo: Diana Baig picked up four wickets•Getty ImagesIn the day’s other match, hosts Pakistan had their bowlers, led by senior seamer Diana Baig, to thank for securing them a 38 run win over Ireland. Pakistan trudged through their innings to score 217 and Ireland were bossing the chase on 96 for 1 in side 24 overs. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu took three wickets in four overs to leave Ireland’s middle-order exposed before Baig took care of the tail. She finished with figures of 4 for 35 in her first appearance for the team since their opening match of last year’s T20 World Cup and got Pakistan’s campaign off to a winning start.Ireland will have the same amount of recovery time – physically and emotionally – after believing they had done enough against Pakistan. Jane Maguire removed Gull Feroza early and Sidra Amin found run-scoring tough which meant the dot ball mounted up. Muneeba Ali tried to keep the scoreboard moving but Pakistan were 79 for 1 after 20 overs and going nowhere. Sidra was on 29 off 61 balls. Muneeba fell trying to get things going and was replaced by Aliya Riaz.Aliya showed more initiative and was scoring at a run-a-ball when Amin finally got to 50 off 110 balls and was then dismissed at the end of the 36th over. Pakistan were 153 for 3 after 36 overs and a score over 200 looked some distance away. Natalia Pervaiz came in ahead of captain Fatima Sana but was runmout for 12, by which time Aliya was also dismissed. Pakistan did not have the batters for a last ten-over push and lost 6 wickets for 42 runs from Aliya’s dismissal. They were bowled out with an over to spare for 217.That total didn’t look enough despite Baig’s new-ball breakthrough. She had Sarah Forbes given out lbw in the ninth over but a 69-run second wicket stand between Lewis and Amy Hunter started to take the game away. Ireland were 96 for 1 when Sandhu trapped Lewis on the back pad and dragged Pakistan into the game. Both Hunter and Delany played on, leaving Ireland 119 for 4 and Pakistan had the opportunity to burst through.Sadia Iqbal got rid of Leah Paul before Baig was brought back and removed Christina Coulter Reilly, Louise Little and Arelen Kelley in three overs. Cara Murray’s run-out confirmed Pakistan’s win. They will take on Scotland on Friday.

Manchester City are looking to cement themselves as the team to beat in the Premier League and they could go some way to doing that if they are able to tempt their latest transfer target to the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City react to Champions League league phase draw

In an eventful week, the Champions League league phase draw is now complete and Manchester City now know who they will face for a place in the knockout rounds of the competition.

From the eight sides they will take on, ties against Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli are the standouts, though the Citizens have landed a favourable run off games on paper and will feel confident they can progress.

Man City’s Champions League opponents

Real Madrid (A)

Borussia Dortmund (H)

Bayer Leverkusen (H)

Villarreal (A)

Napoli (H)

Bodo/Glimt (A)

Galatasaray (H)

AS Monaco (A)

Fixture dates TBC

Speaking after the draw, Pep Guardiola expressed his delight at being able to welcome former Manchester City heroes Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane back to the Etihad Stadium.

He stated: “I’m really pleased he (Kevin De Bruyne) will come back here and of course, we have to beat the teams Napoli and Galatasaray (with Leroy Sane), nice to welcome him back. I’m sure the people will give a great welcome to them, they deserve it.”

Nevertheless, attention turns to their clash against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend alongside transfer activity, and the Citizens are plotting move to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid.

Admittedly, that may come down the line in January, though it shows that Guardiola’s ambition is through the roof as his side look to get back to dominating English football. Fermin Lopez could also move to the Etihad from Barcelona, and they are lining up another significant play for one of the world’s finest stars amid growing uncertainty over his future at a global superpower.

Man City lining up record Vinicius Junior bid

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are lining up a £130 million bid to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, given he has two years on his contract left in the Spanish capital.

The Brazil international is at loggerheads with Los Blancos over an extension and Guardiola is ready to swoop in, given his pace and ability to burn past defenders in one-on-one situations.

Man City could bid for £276k-p/w star who called the Etihad "incredible"

The Blues are lining up a shock move for a player Pep Guardiola has praised in the past…

ByDominic Lund Aug 28, 2025

Similar to their pursuit of Alexander-Arnold, the Citizens may wait until 2026 to move for the winger, who has been nominated for the 2025 Balon D’Or and has previously been labelled “quality” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Starting the campaign with a bang, Vinicius registered a goal and an assist in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo last weekend, but his situation is growing slightly more uncertain as the weeks go by.

Manchester City are no stranger to a statement signing, and manging to push a deal over the line for someone of such a high pedigree would be guaranteed to make global headlines.

Manchester United outcast Andre Onana grabbed a delightful assist as Trabzonspor came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Gaziantep in a Turkish Super Lig clash on Saturday. Onana's maiden appearance for the Turkish club came last week where he impressed after making eight saves, although his new club went on to lose 1-0 to Fenerbahce.

• Onana's Turkish delight as keeper plays part in goal

  The United loanee marauded way outside of his penalty area as he looked to take matters into his own hands, eventually sending a pinpoint pass for Paul Onuachu behind the opponent's defence. The former Southampton striker held off several defenders before slotting beyond the onrushing goalkeeper as Trabzonspor came back from behind to snatch a point against Gaziantep.

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• Watch the video of Onana's assist

• AFP
  

  Man Utd flop continues to impress on loan

  The Cameroonian goalkeeper has, at least temporarily, ended his nightmare spell at Old Trafford after completing a season-long loan move to the Turkish Super Lig towards the end of the summer transfer window. Before the move, Onana had appeared in just one game for United this season, their Carabao Cup second-round exit against fourth-tier side Grimsby Town, where he made several mistakes and conceded 11 times in the penalty shootout.

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• When will Onana play next?

  The 29-year-old will be back in action for Trabzonspor on September 27 as they host Fatih Karagumruk in a Super Lig clash.

One thing’s for certain: Liverpool are primed for an eventful end to the summer transfer window.

FSG are diligent operators, with Anfield’s transfer strategy driven by two of the best in the business in Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes, and this was clear through the swift signings of full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, and the British-record signing of playmaker Florian Wirtz, which was wrapped up in June.

However, the pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been anything but expeditious, with the Reds having seen a British-record bid worth £110m plus add-ons rejected at the start of August, following weeks of intense speculation and suggestion that the Sweden international wants to move to Anfield.

Now, it’s getting messy. The 25-year-old is aggrieved about the way his and Newcastle’s transfer window has transpired, and is insistent that he has played his final match for the Magpies.

Liverpool need another striker, having sold Darwin Nunez to Al Hilal in a deal rising to £57m after parting ways with Luis Diaz, now garbed in Bayern Munich’s kit.

But did Liverpool’s Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace make a comment on Arne Slot’s attacking line?

What the Community Shield told us

Last month, Liverpool signed Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike for a £79m fee, adding one of the most talented forwards in Europe to Slot’s squad.

Isak’s future broods in the background, but the French forward stepped up and scored during the Community Shield at Wembley, expertly converting following Wirtz’s fizzed pass just four minutes into his debut.

The 23-year-old told Liverpool and the fanbase that he’s ready to become a major player at Anfield and in the Premier League, bearing the potential to rival the likes of Isak for a place as one of Europe’s top strikers.

Though defensive fragility and thinness were clear against the Eagles, the Merseysiders also lack depth up top. And though Ekitike is the real deal, it’s imperative that Hughes and co welcome another forward to Liverpool’s mix this month.

Liverpool lining up Isak alternative

Liverpool want Isak, but they are ready to pounce on other attacking targets should the need arise. And according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Bradley Barcola sits right at the top of the shortlist.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Discussing the Premier League champions’ outstanding transfer plans this summer with GIVEMESPORT, Romano confirmed that internal discussions have been held behind the scenes over a move for Barcola, 22, who has emerged as a superstar at PSG.

Instrumental in driving Luis Enrique’s quadruple-winning 2024/25 campaign, the France international has been valued at around €100m (equating to around £87m) by the French giants, who hope to tie Barcola down to a long and lucrative new contract in Paris.

The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe has suggested Liverpool could move to sign a left-sided forward along with a nine such as Isak, and with that in mind, could the Reds not pull off a stunning double swoop?

Why Liverpool want Bradley Barcola

Barcola has flaws in his game; he’s certainly not the finished product. But how exciting is that? The French winger, after all, posted 21 goals and 21 assists apiece across all competitions for PSG last season, winning four major titles, including the Champions League.

Already considered to be a “world-class player” by Liverpool and Romano, Barcola’s pace and potency down the left flank suggest he could be the perfect Diaz replacement and contrast to the more goal-focused Cody Gakpo. While the Frenchman may be the Swede’s alternative at the moment, we can envisage a team where they co-exist.

Isak is a striker of startling completeness, and that’s why he could work so fluently with Barcola, whose grasp of the technical side of the game would work well alongside the Scandinavian talent’s goalscoring qualities.

Last season, it was clear that Eddie Howe reduced the scope of Isak’s game, thus streamlining his prolific capacity and giving rise to his standout strength.

Alexander Isak’s Last Two PL Seasons

Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

30 (27)

34 (34)

Goals

21

23

Assists

2

6

Touches*

26.8

33.3

Shots (on target)*

2.4 (1.4)

2.9 (1.4)

Big chances missed

21

18

Pass completion

80%

77%

Big chances created

5

11

Key passes*

0.9

1.2

Dribbles*

1.4

1.2

Ball recoveries*

1.3

1.6

Tackles + interceptions*

0.4

0.5

Duels (won)*

2.4

2.8

Data via Sofascore

Even so, Isak still enjoyed plenty of creative moments, with that fact further substantiated through his ranking among the top 16% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 13% for progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

Slot loves players who can do multiple things, and so Isak’s role at number nine would come with the ancillary duty of supplying teammates.

This would be helpful for Barcola, who enjoyed much success in front of goal last year, albeit not producing true clinical results. Indeed, across PSG’s league and European campaigns, the £109k-per-week talent might have scored 17 goals, but he also missed 33 big chances, highlighting ample room for improvement there.

Luckily, he’s got a knack for finding space and shooting, and his 21-goal return last year is hardly something to be sniffed at.

With great ball-carrying ability, creative focus and the potential to become a truly deadly goalscorer, Barcola is surely the perfect partner for a striker like Isak, whose intelligence and off-the-ball movement would accommodate the France star when he wants the headlines.

And when Barcola is the one tasked with supplying Isak? Well, expect a seamless connection, striking fear into the rest of the Premier League and indeed Europe.

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The half-centuries from Kamindu and Asalanka ended up as mere footnotes in the game as WI won with five balls to spare

Andrew Fidel Fernando13-Oct-2024West Indies 180 for 5 (King 63, Lewis 50, Pathirana 2-27) beat Sri Lanka 179 for 7 (Asalanka 59, Kamindu 51, Shepherd 2-39) by five wicketsBrandon King and Evin Lewis crashed 107 off 55 balls at the top of the order, to set West Indies beautifully on course to their target of 180, in the first T20I against Sri Lanka. Although the hosts’ middle-overs bowlers slowed West Indies’ progress, they were never in serious trouble.They had plenty of batting to see the chase through, and Sherfane Rutherford finished it off with a four off the first ball of the final over.Shamar Joseph was the most economical of West Indies’ bowlers, conceding only 27 from his four overs. Though King and Lewis later outshone them, Sri Lanka had two half-centurions too, in Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka, whose 82-run stand was the most substantial of the innings.King, Lewis blast the powerplayLewis struck the first boundaries, launching Chamindu Wickramasinghe for a six and four at the end of the first over, but it was King who made the greatest impression while the fielding restrictions were in play. King’s standard move was to run at the bowlers and blast them down the ground. So good was his hand-eye coordination, that he did it twice against seamer Asitha Fernando in the second over, before taking aim at the spin of Maheesh Theekshana in the third over.By the end of the powerplay, King had eight fours (some of them edged, to be fair), and 39 runs off 20 balls. Lewis, who had blasted boundaries off Wickramasinghe almost exclusively, had 31 off 16 balls. And West Indies had 74 off the first six.They kept swinging, and by the end, Lewis made 50 off 28, and King 63 off 33. The requirement was fairly simple after their onslaught.Shamar Springer celebrates his maiden T20I wicket•AP Photo/Viraj KothalawalaWI quicks strike earlyBy contrast, Sri Lanka’s top order had failed to prosper on a helpful surface, thanks in part to sharp bowling from West Indies’ quicks. Romario Shepherd caught the edge of Pathum Nissanka’s bat three times, conceded fours behind the wicket and then had him caught by the keeper on the third occasion, to make West Indies’ first breakthrough. Kusal Perera was then bowled by Shamar Joseph early in the following over.When Kusal Mendis was also bowled by an excellent quicker delivery from Gudakesh Motie, leaving Sri Lanka at 58 for 3, it felt as if West Indies were about to carve open the game.Kamindu may be good at cricketBut then perhaps it’s time to admit that Kamindu appears to know what he is doing on a cricket field. Having recently become the fastest batter since 1950 to 1000 Test runs, he produced 50 off 41 here in the shortest format, outdone in his team only by Asalanka who clubbed 59 off 35, Kamindu would also bowl two overs for 14, switching arms when necessary. He took the wicket of the opposition’s top scorer, King, with his left-arm spin, and collected figures of 1 for 14.

Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, taking sporting director Andrea Berta’s summer spending past the £200 million mark – which means exits could be necessary.

Arsenal prepared to bid £55m for star, four-year contract at the ready too

Andrea Berta is swiftly moving on to his next target after Viktor Gyokeres.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 26, 2025

Gyokeres has joined the Gunners for an initial fee of around £55 million, a number that could rise to £64 million with add-ons (The Athletic), after the Sweden international travelled to London this weekend for a medical.

The 27-year-old’s 54 goals in all competitions last season suggests that Gyokeres could be worth every penny if all goes to plan, with the lack of a prolific number nine long viewed as the missing piece of Mikel Arteta’s jigsaw.

However, following their deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera on top of Gyokeres, Berta has now spent hundreds of millions on reinforcing Arteta’s squad.

If Arsenal manage to sign Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze too, with the Eagles reportedly holding out for his £68 million release clause, the north Londoners could end this transfer window spending closer to £300 million.

Taking this into account, and the fact Arsenal currently boast the third-highest wage bill in the Premier League, Berta’s next priority is sealing some departures as well as potentially striking an agreement for Eze.

With PSR lingering in the background, top flight clubs are only permitted a loss of around £105 million over a rolling three-year period. If Arsenal surpass this limit, they face sanctions.

So far, there have been no indications that the club are in any real danger of this, but Berta still needs to monitor the club’s revenues/spending.

Gabriel Jesus gives green-light to leave Arsenal as Flamengo prepare offer

According to South American news outlet RTI Esporte, Flamengo have held talks with striker Gabriel Jesus, and they’re preparing to make an audacious loan-to-buy bid for the Brazilian.

Jesus has apparently gave the “green light” to negotiate a move to Flamengo, and if a move materialises, the clubs would split his £265,000-per-week wages 50/50. Flamengo’s interest comes despite the former Man City star’s lengthy lay-off, with Jesus currently out of action after sustaining an ACL rupture in Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Man United last season.

With Gyokeres arriving, the 28-year-old will have to compete with both Arsenal’s new signing and Kai Havertz for a place up front once he returns to full fitness, so a temporary move away could suit all parties as Arsenal look to trim their salary books.

Jesus enjoyed a purple patch of form under Arteta last season – grabbing six goals and an assist in all competitions from early December to January after a lot of criticism – with his injury coming at an extremely unfortunate time.

He became the third member of India’s squad, behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, to bow out of the format after the Barbados final

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jun-2024

Ravindra Jadeja at a training session during the World Cup•ICC/Getty Images

Ravindra Jadeja has become the third senior cricketer to retire from T20 internationals at the end of India’s triumphant run at the T20 World Cup 2024. Following the announcements from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Jadeja “bid farewell” to the format through a post on his Instagram account.”With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 internationals,” Jadeja wrote a day after India’s win over South Africa in a thrilling World Cup final in Bridgetown. “Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride, I’ve always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats.Related

Rohit Sharma joins Kohli in retiring from T20Is after World Cup triumph

Kohli retires from T20 internationals after winning World Cup title

“Winning the T20 World Cup was a dream come true, a pinnacle of my T20 international career. Thank you for the memories, the cheers, and the unwavering support.”Jadeja retires after 74 T20I appearances, including every match in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. He didn’t have too big a role to play at the World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, though, facing just 22 balls in five innings, in which he scored 35 runs, and sending down 14 overs, picking up one wicket at an economy rate of 7.57. Overall, Jadeja has 54 wickets in the format at an economy of 7.13 and 515 runs at a strike rate of 127.16.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Jadeja, 35 is a much-decorated player in the IPL, where he has won four titles, three with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and one, in the inaugural season in 2008, with Rajasthan Royals (RR), which was before he had made his international debut which came in 2009.One of a handful of cricketers who have been part of all three international sides for India for a while now, Jadeja will continue to be available for Tests and ODIs, where he has turned out 72 and 197 times respectively. In Tests, he has 3036 runs (average of 36.14) and 294 wickets (24.13), and in ODIs, he has 2756 runs (32.42) and 220 wickets (36.07), and is considered one of the finest all-round fielders in the world.

Liverpool have held back in recent transfer markets, opting against springing into the scramble for new players and instead relying on their existing stars.

It’s paid off, and handsomely at that. Aside from Federico Chiesa, who joined from Juventus for £12.5m last summer but only started once in the Premier League and is being touted for a move back to Italy, no first-teamers have arrived since August 2023, when Jurgen Klopp applied the finishing strokes to his midfield remodel.

Well, that was the case, at least, until FSG activated Jeremie Frimpong’s £29.5m release clause last month, and welcomed the right-sider from Bayer Leverkusen.

Frimpong, electric-paced and positionally flexible, replaces Trent Alexander-Arnold. Elsewhere, Milos Kerkez is in talks to leave Bournemouth and shore up the left flank, while Florian Wirtz is on the verge of following Frimpong from the BayArena to Anfield.

Negotiations have maybe been a tad protracted, but this is a potential British-record signing, and still, his announcement is but a formality at this stage (famous last words).

Fans got a chance to see their potential new superstar in action last night. Germany might have lost in their Nations League semi-final tie to Portugal, but the 22-year-old proved his talent.

Florian Wirtz's performance vs Portugal

Beady-eyed detractors watched on in hopes of Wirtz struggling to make an impression on the international stage, but he scored the opener and was firmly involved in much of the contest.

Clever shimmies, well-worked one-twos and indeed a desire to get at the heart of the affair, on both sides of the field, all highlighted the calibre of player Liverpool could welcome into their fold, even if he trudged home as one of the defeated.

It wasn’t a display that left nothing to be desired, however. Pitted against opposite counterparts Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, the Werkself icon was always going to be up against it.

Florian Wirtz – Stats vs Germany
Stats	#
Minutes played	90′
Goals	1
Assists	0
Shots (on target)	2 (2)
Accurate passes	32/42 (76%)
Key passes	0
Dribbles	3/5
Tackles	3
Duels won	9/16
Stats via Sofascore

Still, he scored, showcased his technical range and indeed a defensive persistence that will serve him well under Slot’s wing. The Liverpool head coach, remember, withdrew Jarell Quansah at half-time on his debut last season following concerns over his side’s success in the duel (or, more correctly, lack thereof).

Wirtz could almost complete the puzzle, ensure Slot has the means to win more gold next year. However, Liverpool also need a striker, and may well be planning a hijack for a new nine.

Liverpool plan hijack for new Striker

RB Leipzig failed to qualify for Europe this year, and thus are resigned to selling Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons, their two most profitable players.

And according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, Liverpool could be ready to compete with Arsenal for centre-forward Sesko, potentially seeking to hijack Mikel Arteta’s move.

“The biggest question mark will be over the number nine and if they can genuinely go for Alexander Isak,” Jacobs said.

“Will they drop the £100m that Frankfurt are asking for Hugo Ekitike, they could even enter the race for Benjamin Sesko even though it feels like Arsenal are more advanced on that one at the moment.”

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Gunners are “more advanced” in their pursuit, but the striker market is rather slim and Sesko, 22, has a €80m (about £67m) release clause.

That’s more affordable than the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool would strike gold with Benjamin Sesko

Liverpool are undergoing a series of changes this summer, and Darwin Nunez is expected to be a part of the exodus, making way for a new striker.

Sesko’s a raw talent, his potential yet untapped, but he’s undoubtedly a star in the making, having scored 39 goals and laid on eight assists across 87 appearances for Leipzig.

The Slovenia international has even been declared “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with his incredible power, rangy frame and pace (he’s “one of the fastest players on the planet”) aligning with the Manchester City superstar, who has scored 121 goals from 142 appearances in Pep Guardiola’s team, notably winning the treble. There’s the exemplar, right there.

It would be a fool’s notion to expect a similar pathway for Sesko, but then there’s no denying he’s got all the pieces to become a top talent in the Premier League, especially so if he’s been sourced by a creative phenom in Wirtz.

Wirtz, indeed, will depart Leverkusen having won the 2023/24 Bundesliga as an invincible, winning the Player of the Season. In total, he’s notched 122 goal contributions from 197 total matches for the Werkself.

Taking a closer look at the German playmaker’s extraordinary skill set, we see his passing and line-breaking qualities could serve chance upon chance on a silver platter for Sesko.

As per FBref, Wirtz ranked among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers this season for goal contributions, shot-creating actions and progressive passes, the top 2% for passes attempted and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

When not threading surgical passes through to Sesko, Wirtz would be charging forward himself, left skip, right, left, right. His slaloming style, expertly weaving past hopeless opponents, would take the heat off the central striker, allow him to get into space.

Then, the pass is played, and Liverpool are ahead once again.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 5, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur went into last weekend on something of an increasingly rare high.

For everything else that has gone wrong this season, the North Londoners had just secured their place in the Europa League Final, and therefore the chance to make this campaign a memorable one.

Unfortunately, the little positivity there among the crowd quickly disappeared as Ange Postecoglou oversaw yet another dismal showing in the Premier League, which ultimately ended in the club picking up their 20th league defeat in the competition.

Unsurprisingly, then, reports have continued to emerge linking the club with a host of new managers, including one who’s got Champions League experience and would be a massive upgrade on Postecoglou.

Tottenham's manager search

With the domestic campaign being as much of a disaster as it has this year, it’s hardly been a surprise that, in recent weeks anyway, there has been an avalanche of reports linking the club to a plethora of top managers, like Marco Silva and Simone Inzaghi.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Since taking charge of Fulham in 2021, the former has helped transform the Cottagers from a Championship side who’d come up and go straight back down on a regular basis into a comfortable mid-table side.

However, with little to no experience in managing a truly big club, the spotlight in North London could be a little too bright for the Portuguese coach.

In contrast, Inzaghi would be an incredible appointment down to his brilliant record with Lazio and Inter Milan, but due to the incredible work he’s done at the San Siro, it feels like hiring him is nothing more than a pipe dream.

So, this need to strike a balance between attainable and exciting might help explain the links to Roberto De Zerbi that have popped up in recent weeks.

For example, it was reported late last month that the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss is someone appreciated by many at Spurs, and then only last week, talkSPORT revealed that he’d be open to returning to the Premier League this summer.

It could be a complicated deal to get done, but one thing is certain: he’d be a significant upgrade on Postecoglou.

How De Zerbi compares to Postecoglou

So, if Spurs are able to convince the Italian coach that they’re the perfect club for him to take charge of ahead of next season, why would he do a better job than Postecoglou?

Well, the first thing to look at is their respective records in English football, as while the Australian has a marginally better one, it should be far greater given the size of Tottenham compared to Brighton and the nature of the latter constantly losing their biggest talents.

For example, the former Celtic manager has managed 98 games in England, of which his side has won 46, drawn 14 and lost 38, which comes out to a points-per-game average of 1.55 – a number seriously helped by the ten-game-winning streak from the start of last season.

De Zerbi vs Postecoglou
Manager	De Zerbi (Brighton)	De Zerbi (Marseille)	Postecoglou
Games (All Comps)	89	35	98
Wins	38	20	46
Draws	20	5	14
Losses	31	10	38
Points per Game	1.51	1.86	1.55
All Stats via Sofascore

In contrast, the former Sassuolo boss managed to win 38 of his 89 games in charge of the Seagulls, drawing 20 and losing 31, which comes out to a points-per-game average of 1.51.

However, since moving to Marseille, the “genius” tactician, as dubbed by analyst Statman Dave, has overseen 20 wins, five losses and 10 defeats, which comes out to a far more impressive point-per-game average of 1.86.

Moreover, the fact he’s managed at a club as massive and intense as the French giants is another big plus; if he’s been able to cope with the pressures on the French Riviera, he’d be fine in North London – which hasn’t been the case for Postecoglou this year.

Finally, on top of doing well in France, the 45-year-old is often credited with being something of an innovator, with Pep Guardiola, of all people, describing him as “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years.”

Ultimately, it now feels like there is no future for Ange at Spurs, and while he might not be as big a name as some would like, De Zerbi is the perfect combination of gettable, exciting and capable of handling big clubs.

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By
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